I’m very organized and love planning but the last few weddings I went to I got to see upclose the stress that the brides went through with having a cost-saving DIY wedding where they (with the help of friends/family) had to oversee every single little details leading up to the day themselves. I know for sure that I would become a bridezilla if I do that so I’m going with the all-inclusive wedding packages route offered mostly by hotels and I’m completely fine with having a “cookie-cutter hotel wedding”.

Trying to stay around $100/guest after tax & fees, though will vary a lot depending on how inclusive/what’s included in the package. High ceiling is a must and priority. Of course the most gorgeous high ceiling venues are 4-star hotels in Boston that I can’t afford (over $200/guest!). Ideally the package would include the wedding cake, linens, chiavari chairs, floral centerpieces, though some don’t. I’ve contacted a lot of hotels and so far they all seem to be VERY negotiable as far as package details and pricing.

So far the top contenders are below. I had always pictured a simple contemporary venue (the cookie-cutter hotel ballroom type) but apparently I’m drawn towards the classic old-style ballrooms instead which means mostly old/historical buildings. Most of them look like any other old brick building, some apparently even haunted…

I have also found a few non-hotel banquet hall type venues with all-inclusive offers but most of them won’t give me pricing until I visit because they don’t really have set packages and depends a lot on preferences and customizations. Some others seem affordable but the rental is separate from the per-person catering cost and in the end more expensive. I think I’ve looked at most of the venues in the area but if anyone know of any more I could use some suggestions…

annchez: Try the Exchange Conference Center in the Boston Seaport area. It has the beautiful water views with lower minimums for off wedding season pricing, and special pricing for Fridays and Sundays. Catering is in house and they will work with you on per person pricing (they can do <$100/pp). They provide simple votive candles, non-chivari chairs, sound system, tableware, and let you plug in your iPod. Things on your own would be DJ, florals, and cake. The building has gorgeously high ceilings. Google some images and see what you think. Good luck!